Seattle Seahawks All-Pro left guard Quenton Nelson will undergo a minor knee procedure, coach Mike Macdonald confirmed Friday. Nelson, acquired from the Indianapolis Colts, had cartilage cleaned in his knee and is designated week-to-week, avoiding injured reserve. Quarterback Sam Darnold is also ruled out with a quad injury. Nelson played every offensive snap in Seattle's loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday night. The Seahawks will move Grey Zabel back to left guard and reinsert Anthony Bradford at right guard in Nelson's absence. Darnold suffered a quad injury and previously cracked a rib in the Bears game. Drew Lock will start against the Cardinals despite a right elbow injury. Macdonald said Lock's reps have been managed more precautionary than anything else. Earlier this week, the Seahawks signed former United Football League MVP Adrian Martinez to their practice squad as quarterback insurance. The Seahawks (4-4) host the Arizona Cardinals (3-5) at Lumen Field on Sunday. Leonard Williams (stinger), Uchenna Nwosu (ankle), Charles Cross (ankle), and Rashid Shaheed (knee) are also ruled out. Josh Jones will start at left tackle for Cross. Brandon Pili (back) is ruled out, while Connor O'Toole (foot) is listed as questionable.
The Seahawks face critical depth issues on both lines and in the secondary. Nelson's absence alters the offensive line chemistry just weeks after his trade acquisition. Darnold's status forces Lock into a familiar role. The Cardinals defense will look to exploit Seattle's depleted front seven. Health updates will be pivotal as Seattle seeks to bounce back from a 1-3 skid.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing